Bangkok--25 Oct--Grayling Thailand
The Thai Tsunami Long Tail Boat Relief Fund presented an additional 13 boats to local fishermen following the delivery of the first 11 in July.
In the immediate aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami, Western Union, like many companies at the time, donated funds to the emergency relief. In addition to this initial donation, the Western Union Asia Pacific management team was keen to continue to show their ongoing support for the local Thai economy, and therefore decided to host the Western Union Asia Pacific Agent Summit in Phuket in February this year.
In the lead up to the summit, Western Union learned of the Thai Tsunami Long Tail Boat Relief Fund and incorporated a charity auction into the proceedings to help raise funds for it. Delegates from 26 countries including top executives from Western Union, global and regional banks, Post Offices and other financial institutions, raised US$128,000 in only 10 minutes - enough to buy 32 fully equipped long tail boats - during the event. Constructed by local Thai builders, the boats, each colorfully painted, have a lifecycle of around 20 years.
Established by two locals, Khun Nine and Khun Chairat, the fund was set-up in the aftermath of the December 2004 Tsunami to assist local fisherman and families who lost their livelihoods as a result.
It is usual for three or four families to collaborate and work together on the long tail boats, so this donation will benefit more than 100 families, enabling them to earn a living, rebuild their businesses and the local community. Construction of the final fleet of 6-7 boats will begin immediately for delivery in the coming months.
More details about the Thai Tsunami Long Tail Boat Relief Fund can be found at www.thaitsunamilongtail.com
Western Union in Thailand
Western Union has more than 2,000 Agent locations in Thailand, providing ease and convenience to customers making international money transfers. With more than 10 years of experience in the Thai market, Western Union has developed strong relationships with Thai people at home and abroad by providing a vital and valuable service that helps them connect with loved ones and friends.
About Western Union Financial Services, Inc. and First Data
First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for businesses and consumers worldwide. Serving 4.6 million merchant locations, 1,500 financial institutions and millions of consumers, First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company's portfolio of services and solutions includes credit, debit, private-label, gift and other prepaid card issuing and merchant transaction processing services; money transfer services; money orders; fraud protection and authentication solutions; check guarantee and verification services through TeleCheck; as well as Internet commerce and mobile solutions. Western Union, together with Orlandi Valuta and Vigo, make up one of the world's largest money transfer networks with more than 271,000 Agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories. The company's STAR Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at 1.9 million ATM and retail locations. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com .
About First Data Western Union Foundation,
The First Data Western Union Foundation, the charitable organization of First Data Corporation (NYSE:FDC), supports philanthropic initiatives worldwide. Since its inception in December 2000, the Foundation has donated millions of dollars to help those most in need. Grants are made to non-profit organizations in health, education and human services that strengthen and improve the lives of many individuals and communities throughout the world. Scholarships are given to nontraditional college students. The Foundation also provides disaster relief funding to communities in need. Additionally, the Foundation raises money from First Data employees and business associates to increase the impact of grantmaking to communities worldwide. Please visit the Foundation’s website www.firstdatawesternunion.org .
Photo Caption
1.Ian Marsh handing over the boat Lebanon donated by Western Union Agent Online Money Transfers SAL to Khun Joe.
2.Western Union team helping to launch the Asia Pacific donated boat - the Golden Crane - into the water.
For Further Information Please Contact:
Cynthia Wee
Tel : +852 3405 8002 email : [email protected]
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net